What is Nanosolar?
Founded in 2002, Nanosolar Corporation operates at the intersection of advanced materials science and renewable energy infrastructure. The company specializes in the manufacturing of thin-film solar cells and panels, utilizing a unique industrial printing process to coat Copper, Indium, Gallium, and Selenium (CIGS) onto flexible substrates. This technological approach is designed to lower the barrier to entry for solar adoption by reducing material costs and enabling versatile application formats. With a dual-hub operational model—headquartered in San Jose, California, with significant assembly infrastructure in Germany—Nanosolar maintains a strategic position in the global energy transition, focusing on scalable, high-throughput production methods that challenge traditional silicon-based photovoltaic manufacturing.
How much funding has Nanosolar raised?
Nanosolar has raised a total of $470M across 5 funding rounds:
Series A
$5M
Series B
$20M
Series C
$75M
Series D
$300M
Unspecified
$70M
Series A (2003): $5M with participation from Stanford University, U.S. Venture Partners, and Benchmark Capital
Series B (2005): $20M led by Mitsui & Co., Mohr Davidow Ventures, OnPoint, and Benchmark Capital
Series C (2006): $75M supported by Capricorn Holdings and Benchmark
Series D (2008): $300M featuring Omidyar Network, Riverstone Holdings, EDS, Grazia Equity, Carlyle Group, Beck Energy, GLG Partners, Energy Capital Partners, EDF Ventures, and The Skoll Foundation
Unspecified (2012): $70M backed by Mohr Davidow Ventures and OnPoint Technologies
Key Investors in Nanosolar
Carlyle Group
The Carlyle Group is a global investment firm specializing in private equity with operations across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a philanthropy focused on shaping the digital revolution to promote shared power, prosperity, and possibility.
Riverstone Holdings
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York City, New York, Riverstone Holdings is a management firm that invests in private markets within energy, power, and infrastructure.
What's next for Nanosolar?
Looking ahead, Nanosolar is positioned to leverage its recent strategic investment to solidify its manufacturing efficiency and address the increasing demand for sustainable energy infrastructure. The company's focus remains on scaling its proprietary printing technology to achieve greater cost parity with conventional energy sources. By integrating its cross-continental production network, Nanosolar aims to enhance its competitive edge in the renewable sector, potentially pivoting toward new market segments that require lightweight, flexible solar integration. The continued support from its institutional partners suggests a long-term commitment to refining its technological moat and expanding its footprint in the global energy market.
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